Lee: Obama 'understands' Occupy

In the wake of violence at Occupy Oakland this week, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said Friday it was time for people to “make some noise” by joining the movement and she praised President Barack Obama for understanding the message of the demonstrators.

“I think people should join because we need to make some noise, the public needs to make more noise,” the congresswoman told POLITICO.

Lee, who represents downtown Oakland, said Obama understood the concerns of the protesters.

“When you listen to his speeches, I think he really understands the message, the purpose and the goals of the movement,” Lee said. “He has said over and over again that the one percent in this country has to understand that they need to be fair in paying more taxes.”

The congresswoman’s comments on the Occupy movement make her among the most supportive of any politicians in Washington.

“People should not sit home and not do anything at this moment,” Lee said. “When people raise their voices, when people protest, when people organize, things change. … I think this is important for people to remember. Often times I think people forget that they have a right and duty to petition their government to redress their grievances.”

Earlier this week, violence erupted in Oakland after police cleared out the encampment where Occupy Oakland protesters were staying. Oakland police contend they fired tear gas after having bottles, rocks and other objects thrown at them.

More than 100 protesters were arrested, and a former Marine was sent to the hospital in critical condition after being struck in the head.

Lee condemned what she called “unprecedented” violence and a “disproportionate overreaction” against peaceful protesters.

In addition, despite her general support for Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, Lee disagreed with Quan’s request for protesters to leave the public parks at night.

“I think the protesters should be able to stay there as long as it takes … and occupy whatever spaces they’re occupying,” she told POLITICO.

Despite her sympathy for the Occupy Oakland demonstrations, the California congresswoman admitted that she had not herself been to the site of the protests in her district, and had no plans to do so.

“It’s up to the people who are there. I know for a fact that they don’t want — and I agree — elected officials to come down,” said Lee, who said she preferred instead to listen to their demands. “I’m not going to go down there unless people think it makes sense… I do not want to interject myself.”

“We’re in touch with many of the participants of the movement,” she added, noting she had been to the Occupy D.C. demonstrations, and talked to some of the protesters there.